Nyack, New York (Rockland County) and Staatsburg, New York (Dutchess County)… Team members from Anderson Center Consulting and Training (ACCT) announced today that Rockland County’s One Stop Career Center has earned designation as an Autism Informed Employer following completion of ACCT’s training program.
Explained Patrick Paul, CEO/Executive Director of Anderson Center for Autism, “Given our vast experience providing residential, clinical, vocational, and educational services for over a century now, we believe we have a responsibility to share our expertise far and wide in order to further advance our mission. ACCT (an affiliate of Anderson Center for Autism) has been doing just that for many years now – providing the training and consultation required for nearly 200 participating businesses and organizations to gain designation as ‘Autism Informed’ or ‘Autism Supportive.’ We are deeply grateful to all who understand the importance and impact of this work, and look forward to continuing to expand our reach as time goes on.”
Added Kathleen Marshall, Director of Program Services for Anderson Center Consulting and Training, “The Autism Informed Employer training we conducted for the team at Rockland Works was funded through a partnership with the Rockland County Think Differently initiative. Attendees were empowered with the tools and strategies necessary to make their workplace culture more inclusive and accommodating for autistic and neurodivergent individuals. I think trainees are always awestruck by how much they learn in just a couple of hours; it doesn’t take much to acquire the knowledge needed to positively impact the lives of others for years to come.”
According to Marshall, the pre- and post-test data from the Rockland County training program demonstrated a 12% improvement in overall understanding of autism, how it presents, and what strategies are most effective in supporting those diagnosed. She noted that the post-test average score was 99%, “showing a quantifiable command of material that will hopefully enrich life for others.”
Anderson Center for Autism parent Jason Emerson, who is also a member of Anderson Foundation’s Board of Trustees, expressed gratitude for ACCT’s work in the field.
A resident of Nyack, New York, Emerson said, “As the father of a son with a profound disability, I feel that the work Anderson Center Consulting and Training is doing to help hospitals, schools, businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities become Autism Supportive is critically important if we are going to build the inclusive society that families like ours deserve to experience. Over time, this initiative will grow even more meaningful to a great many people, both disabled and otherwise. The organizations undergoing the training will benefit from a greater world view and an understanding of how to engage with people that have developmental disabilities – a win for everyone.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism incidence rates are now 1 in 31.
Reflected Shannon Hargrove, Director of Rockland Works Career Center, “Rockland Works staff works with the public to provide workforce development guidance and career services, often supporting them in job search, interview, and other professional development strategies. Anderson Center Consulting and Training’s Autism Informed Employer program, which provides an overview of the characteristics of autism, discussion of how characteristics or features may impact job seekers and employees, and tools and strategies to support job seekers, new hires, and employees, was easy to participate in and so valuable. The key takeaway for the team was a better understanding of strategies (often simple) that can help create an autism supportive environment. And the team left feeling empowered and equipped with the tools to effectively serve participants on the autism spectrum – as well as advocate for them with partner businesses.”
Hargrove noted that in addition to completing the program with Anderson Center Consulting and Training, which resulted in designation as an Autism Informed Employer, the employees also received certificates of designation as Autism Informed Individuals.
To learn more about opportunities to gain designation as “Autism Informed” or “Autism Supportive” through Anderson Center Consulting and Training, visit andersoncenterconsultingandtraining.org.
For more information about Anderson Center for Autism, visit andersoncenterforautism.org.
About Anderson Center Consulting and Training
Through virtual and in-person training and consultations, Anderson Center Consulting and Training empowers families, caregivers, businesses, municipalities, nonprofits, hospitals, colleges/universities, school districts, first responders, and other groups with the tools needed to help optimize the quality of life for autistic and neurodivergent individuals.
About Anderson Center for Autism
Our mission at Anderson Center for Autism is to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.
About Anderson Foundation for Autism
Through grantmaking, fundraising, and marketing initiatives, Anderson Foundation for Autism helps support, sustain, and expand upon Anderson Center for Autism’s efforts to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism